You likely don't need any reminders that the likes of Gateway and Dell (and Alienware) have released some new systems based around Intel's flagship Core i7 processor, but it's a whole other matter to sort out the multitude of options available from some of the smaller PC manufacturers out there, and we thought we'd take this opportunity to shed a bit light on some of those slightly lower profile contenders for the desktop throne. Ready to get started? Then check your bank account and head on past the break.

Smooth Creations' custom paint jobs certainly aren't for everybody, but if you're a bit tired of the current netbook sameness, you might want to consider its new Wedge model, which questionably promises to make a "powerful yet subtle statement." Apparently, you can either take your chances with a one of a kind design like the one above (seemingly from before they settled on the name "Wedge"), or you can shell out some extra bucks for a completely custom design. The netbook's insides, on the other hand, are considerably more in line with the usual netbook fare, and include a 10-inch display, a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, and Windows XP as standard (Vista is apparently also available if you really want to push things). Look for this one to set you back about $500, and no doubt quite a bit more if you want get one to match the paint job on your 1975 Dodge van.

[Via jkkmobile]